Sometimes we all need to escape down the open road. Downtown Austin may be full of construction cranes and skyscrapers, but the Hill Country is laden with clear, gorgeous views. Cue up your old John Denver CD and prepare for a refreshing afternoon. These five country roads near Austin offer the best scenic drives in the area.
- Ranch Road 470
Mike Fisher/Flickr This route takes you through paradise. On your way to Utopia, Texas, drive through Bandera on Ranch Rd 470. It’s about 2.5 hours away from the city limits, but the views are well worth it.
- Farm to Market Raod 1323
TimothyJ/Flickr On your way to Enchanted Rock, pass through Johnson City on FM 1323. In the springtime, colorful wildflowers lead the way.
- Highway 290 W
mitsy mcgoo/Flickr Take this highway all the way to Fredricksburg, and you’ll reach stunning roads full of wineries and wildflowers. These views combine Napa’s gorgeous vineyards with the Hill Country’s rustic charm.
- Scenic Drive
Matthew Rutledge/Flickr Appropriately named, Scenic Drive runs parallel to the Colorado River. Lush trees line the roadways and provide a shady reprieve from the sun.
- Fitzhugh Road
Kelly The Deluded/Flickr The Hill Country is full of gorgeous, rural drives. Instead of taking Highway 290 W to Dripping Springs, turn onto Fitzhugh Road. If you drive for 16 miles and turn right on 6026, you’ll end up at the beautiful Pedernales Falls State Park.
What’s your favorite scenic country road?
Mike Fisher/Flickr
This route takes you through paradise. On your way to Utopia, Texas, drive through Bandera on Ranch Rd 470. It’s about 2.5 hours away from the city limits, but the views are well worth it.
TimothyJ/Flickr
On your way to Enchanted Rock, pass through Johnson City on FM 1323. In the springtime, colorful wildflowers lead the way.
mitsy mcgoo/Flickr
Take this highway all the way to Fredricksburg, and you’ll reach stunning roads full of wineries and wildflowers. These views combine Napa’s gorgeous vineyards with the Hill Country’s rustic charm.
Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
Appropriately named, Scenic Drive runs parallel to the Colorado River. Lush trees line the roadways and provide a shady reprieve from the sun.
Kelly The Deluded/Flickr
The Hill Country is full of gorgeous, rural drives. Instead of taking Highway 290 W to Dripping Springs, turn onto Fitzhugh Road. If you drive for 16 miles and turn right on 6026, you’ll end up at the beautiful Pedernales Falls State Park.
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